OREANDA-NEWS. The ability to increase the volume of gas supplies to Europe at any time is one of Russia's competitive advantages in the market. This opinion was expressed by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak.

Novak in an interview with the Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper said: “Due to cold weather and other reasons, in many European countries there were situations when our partners asked us to significantly increase energy supplies outside the framework of contracts. In all these cases, we met such requests. We have strong reserves. We are able to increase the volume of supplies at any time. This is one of our competitive advantages. "

The Deputy Prime Minister drew attention to the fact that during the transition to alternative energy sources in the world, the demand for gas will remain. Novak noted: "European regulators are well aware of the important role gas plays in decarbonisation, how reliable and competitive it is compared to other clean energy sources. Thanks to this, its share in the energy balance of Europe can remain at the current level of 26% and by 2040."

He also added that Russia can increase the supply of energy resources to the European market, despite the general dynamics of consumption, if the products have price and environmental advantages. At the same time, Novak recalled that not all countries are ready to buy energy resources from the Russian Federation, in particular, due to political considerations.